News
Thico scam: Udaya alleges minister behind mudslinging campaign against rivals
… denies allegation against him
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila yesterday (09) accused a minister of launching a social media campaign to discredit some Opposition MPs over the recent arrest of the owner of Thico Group of Companies Pvt Ltd., Thilini Priyamali, in connection with misappropriation of massive amounts of funds.MP Gammanpila has been named as one of those cheated by the woman.
Addressing the media outside the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the afternoon, Attorney-at-Law Gammanpila alleged that the minister had engaged a prominent social media activist to divert public attention away from a range of corruption charges against the government.Claiming her enterprise has been engaged in construction, real estate, gems, trading, and films, the businesswoman collected millions of Rupees from various persons, including politicians, businessmen and Buddhist monks, sources said.
The suspect who operated a luxurious office on the 34th floor of the World Trade Center in Colombo at the monthly rental of Rs 1.4 mn has been remanded till Oct. 19 by the Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage pending further investigations.he police produced the suspect before the Magistrate after having arrested her on a complaint received from a businessman pertaining to misappropriation of well over Rs 200 mn.
Lawmaker Gammanpila said that at the behest of the minister, social media activist had named him and several others, including MPs Dayasiri Jayasekera (SLPP Kurunegala district), Hesha Vithanage (SJB Ratnapura District) and Chaminda Wijesiri (SJB Badulla) as those near and dear to the suspect.
Declaring that he sought the CID’s intervention, MP Gammanpila urged the police to release the entire list of Priyamali’s contacts obtained during the investigations to prevent interested parties from slinging mud at opponents. Responding to another query, Gammanpila said that he raised the issue at hand with Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and was confident law enforcement authorities could quickly identify the persons responsible for the fabricated list.
“Of course, there is a list. She had cheated businessmen, politicians, monks and artistes. But, I’m not among them,” lawmaker Gammanpila said, urging social media users to be cautious when sharing posts. The police should reveal the identities of those who had been cheated by the suspect as well as her accomplices.
Lawmaker Gammanpila alleged that he suspected the minister whose shady deals and other controversial transactions were now in the public domain was behind this operation.Reiterating his commitment for media freedom, MP Gammanpila said that regulation of social media was necessary to prevent various interested parties from blatantly exploiting social media platforms.
The fake list included former MP Karunaratne Paranavithana, Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe, Yeheli Sangakkara, Ravi Kumudesh, MP Kabir Hashim, former MP Wasantha Samarasinghe, MP Dr Nalaka Godahewa, Ven. Omalpe Sobitha thero, Ven. Madille Panghaloka thero, ex-MP Ranjan Ramanayake, Damitha Abeyratne and ex-MP Jeevan Kumaratunga.
Ravi Kumudesh said that it was part of an overall propaganda project meant to undermine a selected group of people.Investigations have revealed that the suspect employed some actresses and models to lure targeted ‘investors.’ Those who had subsequently demanded their funds were threatened with exposure, sources said, adding that more arrests were likely.
The group posted the following on its website: “Thico Group Pvt. Ltd. is the brainchild of Ms. Thilini Priyamali is a duly registered company which is well diversified in nature. Catering to a range of industries including construction, entertainment, gem and jewellery, real estate and trading, the Company aims to attract a diverse clientele. Operating from the 34th floor, World Trade Centre, each avenue falls under respective companies managed by industry experts who ensure efficiency and growth. The ultimate expectation is to help our customers to fulfill their dreams.”
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
